Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Crimes Against Rhinoceros: Exploring Attitudes and Perceptions of Stakeholders in South Africa

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  • African rhinoceros, once abundant across Africa, face threats to their long-term survival primarily due to the syndicated poaching of their horns for Traditional Asian Medicine and as status symbols in Asia. Most studies focusing on the human dimensions of rhinoceros poaching have been limited to examining a few aspects of this issue (e.g., reasons for consuming rhinoceros horn, opinions about legalizing trade in horns), from the perspective of just one or two stakeholder groups (e.g., community members, private game reserves that own rhinoceros), and in geographically constrained areas within South Africa or in other countries. This dissertation examined perceptions of multiple stakeholder groups regarding several different issues related to the poaching of rhinoceros across various provinces within South Africa. Three standalone journal articles contained in this dissertation used qualitative data to evaluate stakeholder: (a) attitudes, norms, and perceived motivations associated with the poaching of rhinoceros in South Africa; (b) perceptions of trust, corruption, and punishment related to this topic; and (c) perceptions of risks associated with this issue. Fifty-four in-person, semi-structured interviews were conducted across seven stakeholder groups (private game reserve personnel, government personnel, personnel from non-governmental organizations [NGOs], wildlife veterinarians, community members, private field rangers, tour operators) in six provinces across South Africa (Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape). Results from the first article showed that respondent attitudes emphasized poor (minimal and inaccurate) communication, divisions among stakeholders, lack of political will, and limited resources (e.g., financial support) as serious obstacles to protecting rhinoceros from poaching. Stakeholders also suggested that: (a) conservation strategies in place for rhinoceros can serve as umbrella protection for other species, (b) tourism and employment are being impacted by the poaching, and (c) although the poaching of rhinoceros was not an accepted norm within most communities, some poachers are viewed as heroes for bringing income into impoverished communities. Respondents held various perceptions on the primary drivers and motivations for poaching (e.g., social status and ego of end-users, poverty and greed of poachers, crimes of opportunity). Results of the second article showed that respondents perceived low trust and high corruption associated with security forces (e.g., police, public rangers), upper ranks of the federal government, some veterinarians, and some NGOs, but greater trust and less corruption among private anti-poaching rangers. Punishments for convicted poachers were considered sufficient by most stakeholders, but some felt that even harsher penalties were needed. Results from the third article showed that respondents perceived several risks to themselves as a result of carrying out their professional activities associated with the poaching issue (e.g., personal safety risks from poachers and syndicates, risk of arrest, social and psychological risks from trauma-inducing situations in the field, risks to family members). Respondents also perceived risks to the safety of the broader public (e.g., tourists, community members). Implications of these findings for both: (a) future research to fill in key gaps in knowledge, and (b) agencies and other stakeholders managing this issue are discussed throughout this dissertation.
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  • Pending Publication
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  • 2021-03-03 to 2023-04-03

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